‘Beef’ Stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong Label David Choe’s “Successful Rapist” Anecdote As “Undeniably Hurtful and Extremely Disturbing”

Beef creators Lee Sung Jin and stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong – who also executive produced – have addressed David Choe’s resurfaced rape story.

In a shared statement given to Vanity Fair (via Variety), the trio called Choe’s story,“undeniably hurtful and extremely disturbing,” but also insinuated that he’s worthy of a redemption tour as he’s “put in the work to get the mental health support he needed.”

“The story David Choe fabricated nine years ago is undeniably hurtful and extremely disturbing. We do not condone this story in any way, and we understand why this has been so upsetting and triggering,” they wrote. 

The creators of the Netflix hit continued, “We’re aware David has apologized in the past for making up this horrific story, and we’ve seen him put in the work to get the mental health support he needed over the last decade to better himself and learn from his mistakes.”

Beef premiered April 6 on Netflix and quickly climbed its way to the top of streamer’s charts. The new series follows two hot-headed strangers who stalk each other after a road rage incident. Their feud eventually comes to involve their loved ones and family, which gives way to Choe’s no-good character, Danny Cho.

Following the show’s premiere, a tweet went viral featuring Choe’s disturbing recollection of an alleged assault from a 2014 episode of his podcast DVDASA, which he co-hosted with adult film star Asa Akira.

In the video, Choe explicitly detailed raping a masseuse as she gave him a massage. He described masturbating in front of the masseuse, inappropriately touching her and coercing her into touching him. At one point, the actor stated, “… the thrill of possibly going to jail, that’s what achieved the erection quest.” When the co-host called Choe “a rapist,” he stated he’s “a successful rapist.”

The viral video has since been removed from Twitter following copyright infringement claims from Choe, himself.

Choe shared a lengthy apology on Instagram in 2017 after his Manhattan mural was defaced and protested. “In a 2014 episode of DVDASA, I relayed a story simply for shock value that made it seem as if I had sexually violated a woman. Though I said those words, I did not commit those actions. It did not happen,” he wrote.

“I am deeply sorry for any hurt I’ve brought to anyone through my past words. Non-consensual sex is rape and it is never funny or appropriate to joke about.”

In the same post, the actor claimed that he “was a sick person at the height of my mental illness” and dedicated time to “healing” himself.

If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.